Saturday, September 7, 2013

Cheryl Drews | Irving ISD

"Connie Kilday invited me to join, and I did!"

Editor's Note: Connie Kilday is another one of ATPE's unstoppable past state presidents!

Friday, September 6, 2013

State President Ginger Franks | Martinsville ISD

"Sara Hill asked me to be a member. But even more important, she asked me to my first ATPE convention. I was so amazed by State President Amy White and the HOD. I have not missed one since, and that was the beginning of my becoming active in ATPE."

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Jayne Serna | Leander ISD

"Our student teaching coordinator suggested that we all join ATPE, and I did so, mostly as an afterthought. My first full-time teaching position (not in my current district) was quite challenging, to say the least, and without the guidance of ATPE's legal services, I would have been in quite a spot. Since then, I would never educate without ATPE!"

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Amanda Peeler | Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

"I joined ATPE because in college one of my projects was to research the different professional educator associations and report on which one was better and why. I joined then 'just because I should' and because it was free. I didn't learn until coming to CFBISD how many benefits there are to being involved in this great organization and all of the reasons there are to be an active member!"

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Michael Sweet | Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD

"I first got introduced to ATPE while I was at an in-service at the Region 1 Service Center. We were at a social studies training, and I noticed that there was one person who stood out in the group. That person was Maria Elena Ingram. She seemed very confident and passionate and was recruiting teachers to join ATPE and was trying to talk those who were already involved in ATPE to be involved in their local units. I don't know exactly what happened, but she came over to our table and started talking to me and told me that she had noticed me in our meetings for the social studies collaborative and that not only did I need to be in ATPE, but that ATPE needed me. She continued to tell me what ATPE offered and why I should join. Needless to say, I switched over that very day. She continued to talk to me at other meetings we had and motivated me to become involved in my local and to run for region office. To this day I continue to be involved with my local unit and have won Campus Rep of the Year and Newsletter of the Year awards for ATPE. I must say I owe my ATPE life to Maria Elena."

Monday, September 2, 2013

Robin Hurt | Irving ISD

"When I came back to teaching, Jo Carol Adamson was our campus rep at Townley Elementary. She introduced me to ATPE. A few years later, my middle daughter won a $1,000 scholarship for college from Irving ATPE. At that awards banquet, I learned there was more to ATPE than just being a member. Today I am beginning my third year as Irving ATPE president. Thank you Irving ATPE and State ATPE for supporting education."

Stephanie Stoebe | Round Rock ISD

"As an Army wife, I have had the experience of teaching in five different states. I looked at each new teaching position as an opportunity to learn more about education. It wasn't until we retired here in Texas that I realized I wanted to grow even more as a teacher.

ATPE has not only helped me meet inspirational leaders and provided me with some of the best professional development in my career, but also it has helped me fulfill other roles as an educator.

Thanks to ATPE, I have spoken to senators and representatives in Austin, I have taught my peers about legislative issues, and I have even reached out to help new teachers.

With ATPE, I can stay focused on my freedom to teach."

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Ronald Sursa | Killeen ISD

"I had the opportunity to be introduced to the ATPE Summit as a college student with Texas A&M–Central Texas in 2011. Tonya Miller and I were welcomed with warm, open arms by Region 12 and the Killeen ISD ATPE chapter. We enjoyed the professional development classes, the college breakout session, and finally receiving the tools to go back and show others how ATPE is helpful. I was able to use the tools I was given to return in 2012 and win the University Unit of the Year. I have been hooked since day one. ATPE is one big family and supports those who educate our Texas youth."

Eileen Walcik | Killeen ISD

"I started out as a paraprofessional at my campus. A close friend, Syd Armistead, had been elected as the local president of Killeen ATPE, and he asked me to join. I had been a member of another organization, but saw the advantages of ATPE. As I tell new teachers, I started as a paraprofessional, then became a teacher. I also have my master's in educational administration. With ATPE, I have an organization that grows with me, and I don't have to change organizations as I change positions. ATPE is there for all of us."